The New Mexico State University Foundation began its new fiscal year July 1, with Louis A. Vega ’91, president of Dow North America, returning for a second term as board president and chair of the executive committee. Joining Vega on the executive committee are Margaret Hardin ’94, vice chair; Amy E. Hummer, secretary; and Judy E. Johnson ’12, treasurer.
The 33-member board provides strategic oversight and fiduciary stewardship for the NMSU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and managing private support for NMSU. The board meets quarterly, twice in person and twice virtually, and plays a vital role in guiding the Foundation’s investments and governance practices.
“Our board members bring deep expertise from a wide range of industries and represent distinct, valuable perspectives that help guide the foundation’s direction,” Vega said. “What unites us is our unwavering dedication to this university. The board’s leadership, grit and passion for student success are essential to building a bright, bold future for NMSU.”
Joining the officers, directors for the 2025-2026 fiscal year include:
Dino Camuñez ’80, Phoenix, Arizona
Orlando A. Castañeda ’06, Phoenix, Arizona
Kevin Conroy ’91, ’99, Denver, Colorado
John Cordova ’81, ’83, Marietta, Georgia
Abel Covarrubias ’96, ’98, Las Cruces, New Mexico (campaign committee chair)
Jack E. Davis ’68, ’73, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sue Dintelman ’72, Salt Lake City, Utah
Bob Dintelman ’73, ’74, Salt Lake City, Utah
Christopher Dulany ’05, ’12, Las Cruces, New Mexico (audit committee chair)
Del Esparza ’91, Albuquerque, New Mexico (development and communications committee chair)
Sue Gerber ’84, Corrales, New Mexico (compensation and benefits committee chair)
Joel Granger ’98, Phoenix, Arizona
Michael Law ’04, Las Cruces, New Mexico (alumni committee vice chair)
Nicole Louvar ’99, Houston, Texas
Bob A. Martinez ’65, ’67, Palisade, Colorado
Ross A. McCallister, Jr. ’75, Tucson, Arizona (investment committee chair)
Manny Mora ’84, Issaquah, Washington
Mike Packard ’64, Carlsbad, California
Susan Plantz ’83, Brentwood, Tennessee
Brenda Porter ’83, ’87, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Eric S. Powell ’80, Cave Creek, Arizona (finance committee chair)
Thom Price ’88, ’92, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Marc Reyes ’00, Henderson, Nevada
Jim Rhodes ’78, Farmington, New Mexico
Kyle Rhodes ’81, Farmington, New Mexico (governance committee chair)
Joseph Salopek ’04, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Frank Seidel ’81, Corrales, New Mexico
Carol Smallwood ’83, Las Cruces, New Mexico (alumni committee chair)
DeAnza Valencia ’96, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rotating off the board are Jagdev “Jag” S. Cheema, director, and Christian Hendrickson ’97, immediate past chair, both of whom have completed their nine-year terms.
“We are deeply grateful to Jag and Christian for their years of dedicated service to NMSU,” Vega added. “Their insight and loyalty leave a lasting legacy at NMSU.”